Authors: Mary Smith
Gable shrugs. “I have no idea, but it took some balls.” He adjusts me in his lap.
“I should get up.” I make a move to rise, but he locks me back into place.
“Don’t move, please. I’ve missed having you in my arms.”
His confession makes my pulse race. I lean close to his ear. “Me, too.” I think after we have been through, he deserves that bit of information.
He cups my cheek and runs his thumb along my cheekbone. Gable keeps looking into my eyes and then down at my lips. I know he wants to kiss me.
I shake my head, telling him the answer to his unasked question to kiss me again. “I think I’m going to take a long hot bath.” I get up from his lap.
“You haven’t eaten all day.”
“I’m fine.” I call over my shoulder as I hop into the elevator.
When I reach the white bathroom, Misha greets me. The smell of bleach hits me and I see her scrubbing the toilet.
“Oh, I’m sorry Mrs. Butler. I didn’t think you were coming back up here so soon.”
“It’s fine.” I gag a bit from the chlorine. “I was going to take a bath.”
“I’m done.” She throws her items into the carrying basket and rushes past me.
I wonder about her sometimes. I can never seem to get a good read on Misha. One moment, I think we might actually be friends, and the next she’s all secretive and sneaky. Maybe it’s because since the moment I walked into Butler Mansion it’s been awkward and uncomfortable.
Well, it has been for me. Not all the time though. There was a short period Gable and I were a real married couple. I flip the hot water on and dump in the lavender bath oil and bubbles. The tub fills up and the aroma begins to overpower the bleach smell as I slip out of the pajamas I’ve been in all day. I check my face in the mirror. The bruises are darker, and you can clearly make out Jacob’s handprint.
I hope they fade soon. I gently step into the hot water, and my skin tingles from the heat. I sigh once I’m completely submerged into the water and overflowing bubbles. I let my mind go blank and think of nothing but the intoxicating smell relaxing me. I shut my eyes as my face becomes moist from the steam. I’m almost asleep when there’s a knock on the door.
“Dream?”
“I’m bathing,” I tell Gable.
“Please” he begs.
I look at the bubbles and they’re still thick and I know he can’t see anything. “Fine,” I grumble and move my left arm to cover my breast and right to cover me below.
“Wow.” He waves his hand in front of him. “I didn’t expect to walk into a sauna.”
“Gable, I’m in the tub, what do you want?” I scoot deeper under the foam.
“Well.” He pulls the vanity stool over to the edge of the tub and my heart races, thinking how exposed I am right now. “I thought this would be a perfect time to talk.”
“What? This is a horrible time to talk. Get out.” Has he lost his mind?
“Under any other circumstance, I would leave, but this is the one time I have you trapped.”
“Gable.” I shake my head. “Just say what you want and leave me be.”
“Dream, please don’t be that way and let me say this.”
I deflate at his words. There’s no reason to be mad at him. “Okay. What do you need to say?”
“I want to tell you I love you. I know, I know you’re not fond of me at this moment, but I think you need to hear it.” He pushes his hand through his hair. “When Aven and I were together, I wanted to propose to her because we had been together for so long, and it seemed like the next step I should take. The problem was I didn’t love her. Sure, I said it, but it was more robotic because she said it. I didn’t trust her either. I never told her anything about my work.”
I blink at him in shock. He’s told me a lot about his work: the legal and illegal parts. Plus, he told me he loved me first.
“Even though I was upset she cheated on me, when I look back on it now, I feel a bit of relief. My breakdown was because of Dad not Aven.”
He pauses and looks around the room for a moment and I’m not sure what to say or do.
“The first time I saw you at Tally, I loved you. Yes, that’s a cliché line, but it’s true. You were sitting under a tree, reading a textbook. I was on a bench across the way and I watched you.”
“Stalker.” I mutter and he chuckles.
“I will admit I stalked you. Happy?”
I shrug, even though I feel a bit of pride of his admission.
“Back to my story or confession, if you so wish, I love you. I’d never seen anyone or anything as beautiful as you. I stayed on the Tally campus following you for a week and Gideon kept on and on about me leaving and forgetting everything, but I couldn’t because I had to have you.”
I start to open my mouth, but he stops me.
“Wait.” He knows what I’m about to say. “Let me finish.” Gable eyes me and I nod. “I wanted to know you better and that’s when Ulrich and I talked more about you. The more he praised you, the more I loved you.
“And then everything happened and we got married. From that day, my love for you has done nothing but grow deeper. I’m sorry I lied to you. I’m sorry I tricked you. However, I’ll swear on anything you want me to that I did it for you. I wanted to protect you. I couldn’t let Jacob or anyone else hurt you.”
I feel the sting of tears behind my eyes building. The look on Gable’s face says it all for me. The love is there in his bright blue eyes. He loves me.
“I know I’m twenty years older than you, Dream, but since we’ve gotten to know each other a bit more, I don’t feel
old
around you. Dream you’re hard working, caring, loving person and that makes my heart swell even more for you. I know I sound like a girl sitting here, and trust me when I say I’ve never done anything like this before, but I think you needed to hear it. I’m going to love you and protect you all the days of my life.” Gable stands, kisses the top of my head, and leaves the room.
I stay in the tub until the water cools. When I get out, I stare in the mirror at my bruises. What would have happened if Gable hadn’t come in to save me? What will happen if Jacob doesn’t back down? Do I love Gable? Could I ever love him after the lies and trickery? Could I love and care for someone with his crazy past? Was I on the verge of loving him before I found out everything?
All those question spin around me as if they’re actually floating in the air. However, one answer is clear, and it’s the last question. I was on the verge of loving him. I’d never wanted sex so much with someone before. Sure, I’d had urges before, but never the pull I have with Gable. I’ve never had such a strong desire to drop to my knees and show a man how much I wanted him.
Fuck, I love him. That bastard and I are in love. I groan as it hits me and I know it’s true. I know he will protect me. I know he’ll always love me because I can feel. I truly feel his love.
I slip on my robe and step into his bedroom. Gable is sitting on the side of the bed, shirtless, with his head in his hands. Even though Gable is older than I am, the last days have aged him. I know it’s the stress; I saw it with Dad.
Gable looks up at me, and we stare into each other’s eyes. His blue eyes are still bright, but I know that he’s worrying about so much. He’s carrying a lot on his shoulders and I’m not helping with it. I made a commitment to him. I’m his wife, and his burden is mine, too.
Family and Jackson Enterprise are all that you need in your life.
I have JE and Gable is my family. I need him in my life. I love him. I boldly walk up to him and stand between his legs, placing my hands on his shoulders.
“Are there any more secrets? I want the truth and I want to know what they are, if there are any.”
“I swear; you know everything.” Gable keeps his hands on his legs unsure of what I’m doing.
I run my left hand through his blond hair and along his strong jaw line, letting the beard tickle my fingers. “If you’re lying and I find out there are more secrets, I will divorce you, and I’ll make sure you never see me again.” I know that threat will reach him deeply since he cares for me so much.
“You have my word, Dream.” Gable’s voice is gruff, and I feel him put his hands on my hips.
“From this moment on, nothing will come between us anymore. It doesn’t matter if it’s work or personal. You want a marriage, and I gave you my word, then this is going to be real. Communication, honesty, and even trust are needed. A clean slate for us both.”
Gable’s mouth drops. “A second chance?”
“I will not give you any more of them.” I point my finger in his face. “This is the one and only time.”
“Why? Not that I’m not grateful, but why?”
“You saved me.”
And I love you,
but I don’t say it. I can’t tell him right now.
Gable quickly stands and pulls me to him, his mouth crushing mine. I wince at the soreness from the bruises.
“Sorry.” Gable releases my lips. “I got carried away.”
“It’s okay.” I kiss him more gently. “I’m going to rest. I feel a headache coming on.”
“Do you want me to call the doctor?” Gable’s face turns to concern.
“No, I think it’s the past couple of days catching up to me.”
He nods and pulls the covers back and helps me into the bed. He doesn’t leave once I’m tucked in. Instead, he crawls in behind me, wrapping me in his arms, and kisses my neck.
“I love you, Dream.”
“I don’t hate you, Gable.”
Chapter 16
“Misha, would you bring in some tea for us?” I ask her as Larissa takes a seat in Gable’s office. I didn’t have an office to take her too and Gable’s is private. I know no one will bother us. It’s not that I didn’t trust her, she did sign an NDA, but this is more of a formal visit.
“Of course, Mrs. Butler.” Misha heads out.
“This is the whitest place I’ve ever seen.” Larissa looks around. “Is there a reason?”
“It’s fresh, clean, and airy.” It’s hard to believe, but it is growing on me.
“I guess. So, are you going to explain the bruises?”
“Yes and much more. I may need some more
professional
help, too.”
Larissa gasps. “Did Gable hurt you?”
“Oh God, no. He would never hurt me.” I’m about to start when Misha comes back with a tray of drinks. I thank her and she leaves again. I sit across from Larissa and tell her everything about Jacob, the lies, the facts that I really do love Gable, and my plan. I know I shouldn’t be tell her any of this; however, she’s the one person who hasn’t lied to me and has an unbiased opinion.
“What is with your life lately?” Larissa shakes her head.
“Tell me about it. If this was a reality show, I would be richer than Gable.” I laugh.
“That plan is a bit vague, Dream. Does Gable know?”
“I know it is, and he doesn’t know a thing, but I’m going to tell him.” I won’t have secrets from him. He gave me his word and I gave him mine.
“Tell me what.” Gable comes into his office.
“I thought you left.” I look over at the door.
“No, not for a little bit. Hello, Ms. Dapont.” He holds his hand out to her and she shakes it. “So, what am I interrupting?”
I take a deep breath and say it, “I want Larissa to look into Jacob more, and I want to help her. She’s working at the DA’s office and she might be able to find out things and I saw things when I was at office, too.”
Gable doesn’t say anything. He only nods his head. I can’t tell if he’s mad or not.
Maybe I should have talked to him first?
“Dad has been trying forever to nail his ass, but something always happens. I don’t know how much help I can really be. I’m working with Dad, and I might be able to figure out something to look into.” Larissa explains.
“Well, I have something to help.” I hand her a folder. “It’s Jacob’s accounting. His real accounting.”
Larissa’s eyes go wide and she begins to flip through the papers. “Dream, this is serious stuff. Where did you get it?”
“From the computers at Matherson’s Printing.”
“That’s a rookie mistake.” Gable chips in. “Why would those be on the old computers?”
“I thought the same thing, but there they are.” I point at them.
“May I see them?” He holds out his hand, and Larissa hands the papers over to him.
“Gable, if I’m not mistaken haven’t you and Mr. Matherson known each other for a long time?” Larissa eyes him.
He glances up from the papers and then back down. “Yes. I have known Jacob since we were kids. And here’s a bit of information for you both, these records and accounting aren’t real. They’re a decoy.” He drops the file on the table in front of us. “They’re worthless. You’ll never get a single charge from them.”
I deflate. “Damn.”
“Dream, you tried and I’m proud of you.” Gable gives me a smile. “But let the police and the DA’s office handle it.”
I nod. “I want him to leave JE and me alone and I didn’t know what else to do.”
“I’ll still see if anything new is going on with him, but don’t hold your breath.” Larissa stands. “I have to get back to the office.”
I follow her to the door and hug her before she heads to her car. I thought maybe if I could get Jacob away I could make this tornado of my life calm down. I head back to the office and find Gable with the papers all spread out.
“Shut that door.” He orders without looking up.
I did. “What is it?”
He looks up at me and it’s not a happy expression. “Jacob is using me.”
“Wait…what?” I rush over to him and try to see what he sees, but it’s gibberish to me.
“Jacob has Gideon on his payroll and in turn for that,” he hands me a paper. “He’s having items shipped through my ship yard.”
I read the contract and notice. It says Mexico and Central America. “What does this mean?”
“It’s either drugs or guns that are being filtered through my company.” Gable’s eyes are like ice and the veins in his neck are pulsing. “And Gideon is helping him.”
He leaps up from the couch and heads over to his landline phone.
“Joy, listen to me carefully, I want all the manifestos from the shipyard. I want everything that’s been going in and out. Every post-it that has a note about the containers, I want it all brought to Butler Mansion. Listen to me, say nothing to Gideon, and get here now. I’m sending Bruce to help you. Don’t let Gideon know anything.” He listens for a moment and then hangs up. He reaches for his cell phone. “Bruce, get to Joy and get back to the house as fast as you can get her here.”
When he’s finished, he tosses the cell phone onto his desk and stares at it. I can feel the anger radiating from him, and I almost shrink away.
“I would lose everything if customs ever came through with a surprise inspection and found anything illegal. What the hell is he thinking?” Gable is pissed. His jaw is tight enough to break his teeth. “I’ve done everything by the book for the past seven years to get my life back on track, and Gideon is about to ruin it all for everyone. He acts like I don’t give him everything. Plus, I help our mother. Doesn’t he realize she would be affected by this, too?”
I don’t know if he wants me to answer him or if he’s thinking out loud. I sit there on the white couch listening to him as he continues with his rant.
“Fucking Jacob. That rat bastard is nothing but a thug. I know we grew up together and I’m not perfect, but that shit head should have grown up by now. Why the fuck is Gideon on his payroll?” He comes over and snatches the paper from the table and begins shuffling through them.
“Gable, what are you looking for?” I keep my voice calm, but he looks as if he could punch a boulder and smash it to smithereens.
“This.” He points to the top of the paper. “This was completed before your father’s death. It means that Gideon and Jacob have been working together for a while.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I need to get all the paperwork and get my timeline in order. I need to make sure my foremen are alerted not to accept and packages from Jacob or his associates. But, most of all, I’m going to kick Gideon’s ass and then kill Jacob.”
He’s serious, as serious as I’ve ever seen him. There are deep lines on his forehead as he continues to read through the accounting and contracts in front of us. His dark eyes are full of hurt and anger and I remain sitting still. I’m afraid a sudden movement might set him off or something.
“Dream.” I jump at the curtness of Gable’s voice. “Did you hear me?”
I shake my head. My body trembles slightly.
“Dream.” He softens his tone. “What’s wrong? Did I scare you?” He lays the papers down and sits next to me.
“A little but I understand you’re enraged about this. It’s disconcerting.”
“I’m sorry.” He promptly wraps his arms around me. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I am infuriated right now, but it’s not at you. If anything, I need to thank you. I would have never known unless you have printed this out.” He kisses my hair.
“I know you’re not mad at me, but I’ve never seen you like this.” I mutter against his neck.
“Dream, this is my life. Our life. If the FBI, DEA, or anyone caught wind there was something illegal happening in my shipyard, I would lose it all. No legitimate business would work with me. Plus, who knows what charges might be brought against me?”
I shudder at the thought of Gable going to jail and losing everything. Not that I care about the money, but Gable has built an empire here and I know how much it took for him to turn it into what it is today. He’s the leader in environmental science and technology. Butler Corp is at the forefront of make the Earth greener. To think Gideon is behind this is unfathomable. Well, I don’t like Gideon, but to do this to his brother and his family. I’d never stab my family in the back.
There are several raps on the door and we break apart as Joy and Bruce come in.
“Get Misha.” Gable orders Bruce and motions for Joy to come to his desk and she begins to lay out the files and notebooks.
Rapidly, Gable begins to go through everything as Bruce walks in with Misha.
“Shut that door and lock it.” He says without even looking up. Misha does. “I have a problem, and now it involves everyone here.” He glances at everyone. “Gideon has somehow betrayed us and Jacob Matherson is behind it.” Gable quickly tells them everything that he knows.
“What’s your plan?” Joy asks.
“Bruce get to the all the foremen and give them a list of all of Jacob’s business and make sure they refuse all the containers from them. Joy, let’s get a confirmation of Jacob’s associated companies, and make sure we can compare them to incoming shipments. Dream has a partial list she printed off, but there might to be more overseas. Misha, I want you to keep your eyes and ears open here at the house, and if you think Gideon is up to something here, I want to know immediately.”
Everyone nods.
“Bruce, I also want a couple of the guys to shadow Gideon and Jacob. And where the fuck are the extra guys for Dream?”
“They’re here.” Bruce nods. “They’ve been on the grounds all day. Dream hasn’t left the house.”
Gable nods. “Good. Now, let’s get this shit done today. I don’t want any more fucking surprises.” Bruce and Misha bustle out of the room and I quickly find the list Gable is talking about. Joy fires up her laptop, and begins to type vigorously.
For the rest of the day and night, the three of us work together. I even went and got my laptop to help Joy with some research. Bruce comes in and out with updates on the shipyard foremen and containers. Another shipment came in this morning and it had already been picked up.
“Do we know what in it?” Gable asks.
“No, but Jesse says he was sure there was a customs sticker on it,” Bruce goes on.
“How the fuck could it have cleared customs?” Gable falls back in his chair and rubs his face hard. He’s stressed, and there’s nothing I can do.
“May I ask a question?” I almost want to raise my hand for permission.
“What, Dream?” Gable drops his hands and they all look at me.
“What does Gideon do? Like, his job title?”
“Pain in the ass.” Bruce answers as Joy says, “Being a pervert.”
Gable chuckles for the first time today, but nods at their comebacks. “He’s that for sure, but really he’s like my assistant.”
“So, he can hire people right? Would he be able to get a hold of a customs sticker and let it slide through?” I look at Gable.
“It’s possible.” He scratches his chin. “But, there’s more to it than a sticker. There are a lot of regulations and inspections that go with receiving out of country shipments.”
“True.” I stand and pace a little bit. “But, what
if
he has a friend in customs that could push through those special containers?”
“Shona.” Joy and Bruce answer my question at the same time.
“Who?” Gable looks at them.
“Shona Blackwell, she’s a customs inspector on the South Side docks.” Bruce explains.
“I caught the two of them in the boardroom a couple months ago.” Joy adds in. “It wasn’t a pretty picture either.” She makes a gagging sound. “I’ve seen her inspecting when I’ve had to take stuff to Jesse.”
“Fuck.” Gable jumps up and turns his back to us. The three of us look at each other. I don’t think they’ve seen Gable this mad either. No one makes a move and the constricting muscles in his back are visible through his shirt.
“Joy. Bruce. How about you both head into the kitchen and have Misha make you both something to eat?” I nod toward the door for them to leave. Without a word they do, while Gable still stands as a statue.
I take a deep, silent breath and walk in front of him. His blue eyes are wide and I can’t if it’s anger, pain, or both.
“What am I going to do, Dream? I’m fucked if I have to involve any government agency.” He’s breathing erratically.
“Hey.” I cup his face. “Look at me.”
He gazes down to me. I softly rub my fingers over his cheeks, feeling the softness of the beard, but I see he hasn’t shaved and it’s a bit uneven.
“We’ll figure it out. Right now, you’re upset and can’t process everything to make a plan, but it’ll come to you.”
“I don’t know.” He whispers and I hear the helplessness in his voice. It tugs at my heart. This is Gable Butler, billionaire extraordinaire. He never backs down and fights for the ones he loves. Does he have a shady past? Yes, but look at how much he has changed. However, right now, he needs to calm down and there’s only one way I know how to do that.
I stretch up to my tiptoes and pull his face down to me. I close my eyes and kiss him. It starts out as soft, but when he uncrosses his arms and grips my hips, the intensity changes quickly. Not only for him, but me too. I dig my nails into the back of his neck and open my mouth wider and our tongues tussle together.